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Sidearms for Naval Aviators

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Well-Known Member

I'd rather have something and not need it then try to find excuses not to bring a weapon with me on a combat sortie. Having it and not needing it is better than needing it and not having it. Maybe don't load expendables either since "what are the odds, right?" They don't weigh much at all or take up much space. At the very least, they will be more comfortable and proficient with their assigned firearms.

Perhaps this can get merged into the newest "differences between Navy and Marines" thread.

- hawk Pilot

At first I was going to give a thumbs up to this because we experience a steep learning curve for new guys transitioning from CONUS to carry-a-weapon-everywhere-you-go land. Then I suddenly decided what a stupid idea that is for those of us who have done this several times before. I do NOT want to check out weapons and ammo, clean weapons, inventory weapons, etc..now just so newbs have an easier transition.

Unlike my previous one, this past deployment I spent most of my time without a weapon. On the few occasions I had to kit up to fly, my newb copilot was like Francis on the movie Stripes.

PI with a grin on his face: "All I know now is I get to kill someone."
Me: "Lighten up Francis."

Nothing says SUCK like 120+ temp with full body armor, M9, M4, flight gear with survival equipment and ammo, and no AC in the aircraft. FWIW, we did not carry when we went out over the water.

- hawk Pilot

On a previous deployment we had a VBIED set off at the gate to our FOB. The IDF alarm went off and we all scrambled to the bunkers. Also hearing small arms fire near the gate, those who didn't have their weapons cautiously rotated back to get their body armor and weapons. Ninety minutes into the "event", somewhere around 2300, I look over at the PI next to me. He was resting his chin on the barrel of his M4 with a full mag inserted. Thank God he had his kevlar and body armor on! LOL